Capitol Program & Departure
Capitol Program & Awards Convocation Details
The Capitol Program is held each year at the end of the program. Parents, family members, and other guests are invited to attend and watch as Citizens present projects and demonstrate knowledge from throughout the week.
Information specific to the LABS 2026 program will be updated by or during June 2026.
Visiting Hammond
The Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau provides information about hotels and motels and bed & breakfast locations in the area for those who are traveling from outside of Hammond and wish to take advantage of the opportunity to explore the surrounding community.
Live Streaming
The Awards Convocation will be live-streamed on YouTube for any parents and supporters who cannot make the trip Hammond, LA.
Capitol Program Agenda
A more detailed schedule will be provided to parents at Parent Orientation on June 28, 2025.
Parent Orientation: 9:30 – 9:45 am
Academic Showcase: 10:00 am – 12:55pm
Lunch Break: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Awards Convocation: 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Lunch Break
Between the Capitol Program and Awards Convocation, Boys State Citizens eat lunch together as a program in the campus cafeteria. Parents are encouraged to dine out at any of the many fine restaurants in Hammond, but cannot be accommodated in the cafeteria, nor can Citizens leave campus at this time. We encourage families to explore Hammond’s robust downtown or grab a bite to eat at one of the many locally owned restaurants in Tangipahoa Parish.
Departure From Campus
Departure Details
After the Awards Convocation ends, Boys State Citizens check out with program staff and counselors prior to departure. Regardless of whether Citizens depart the program with parents or by self-driving, they must be checked out through the program staff.
No Citizen may depart the program without following program checkout procedures to ensure the safety of all program participants.
Parent Pick-Up
Any Citizen who leaves on the last day with a parent/guardian must be checked out with the program staff. Please be aware that there may be a short waiting period. Upon arrival at the checkout location, parents will be directed to lines, and checkout will be completed in the order of arrival.
Citizens may only be checked out by the primary or secondary parent/guardian listed on the Citizen’s registration information unless prior delegated permission is provided. Delegating permission requires parents to download, complete, sign, and email back the delegated permission form to laboysstate@gmail.com.
Checkout requires a state or federally issued photo ID (driver’s license, tribal ID card, passport, etc.) be presented by the individual(s) picking up the Citizen.
Self-Driving
Citizens who drove themselves to the program will check out with program staff and be returned their vehicle keys once departure is underway.